As such, in real life the Delvaux Circus where much of the film takes place never existed, Chocolat didn't start his clown career with Foottit in France but with British clown Tony Grice in Spain, he didn't transition from being a "circus freak" to a clown but from being a servant, he never went to prison, Foottit isn't the one who came up with the idea to pair them, Marie Hecquet was neither a widow nor a nurse and was in a relationship with Chocolat before he ever met Foottit and there is no evidence that Foottit was homosexual, among many, many other differences (including the film's ending). While based on a true story, the film takes many liberties with reality. But as soon as they coax the townspeople into enjoying their delicious products, they are warmly welcomed.
In France the film had 1.68 million admissions in four weeks.ģ. Chocolat (7,036) 7.3 2 h X-Ray PG-13 When a single mother and her six-year-old daughter move to rural France and open a chocolate shop - with Sunday hours - across the street from the local church, they are met with some skepticism. In her very unusual chocolate shop, she creates. Nobody could have imagined the impact that Vianne would make when she arrived in a tranquil, old-fashioned French town. Now Playing: Chocolat - Official Trailer (HD) Starring: Alfred Molina, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Juliette Binoche, Victoire Thivisol. James Thierry is the grandson of Charlie Chaplin.Ģ. Chocolat - There Is No Dessert Here Tonight. While funny faces, staring eyes, and goofy slapstick struggles to draw loud laughter today, the dark message of Chocolat lies in its portrait of racism masked as humour.1.
This multi-layered film has a nuanced mix of humorous entertainment, historical insight and contemporary relevance.
Movie chocolat skin#
The appearance of black skin no longer shocks anyone but black talent is still the 'Auguste' in contemporary cinema. The rise and fall of the famous clown Chocolat, the first black circus performer who revolutionised the stagnant circus acts and conquered Paris of the Belle poque with his exuberance and originality. While today's social conscience finds the blunt racism of a past era repulsive, this film reminds us of the ever-presence of race as a social divider. With Omar Sy, James Thierre, Clotilde Hesme, Olivier Gourmet. From the perspective of the modern screen-reliant world, it is charming to see the physicality and humour of the lost art of circus slapstick comedy.
Movie chocolat full#
The behind-the-tent circus life is full of unusual and interesting humanity living in convoys of small caravans that move entertainers from town to town. Both co-stars are brilliant in their roles and the detailed period sets exude authenticity. There are so many engaging layers in this film. With growing gambling debts and ill health, Chocolat ends his career in sadness and despair. Despite a credible performance as Othello, French audiences cannot accept a black person in serious theatre. Over time, Chocolat grows resentful of the racist taunts and abandons George for a career as a Shakespearean actor. As their fame grows, Chocolat becomes the star celebrity and flaunts his success with flamboyant clothes, expensive car, gambling and substance abuse. They quickly become a sensational duo, and the Delvaux circus prospers as crowds flock to see George kick, slap, and humiliate Chocolat. White clown George Foottit (James Thiérrée) is struggling to find work until he teams up with a former Cuban-negro slave with the stage name of Chocolat (Omar Sy). It is 1886 and the tired-looking Circus Delvaux is auditioning for acts to restore its fortunes. With centuries of tradition behind them, it was a cultural shock for French circus audiences to see a black-faced Auguste clown for the first time and terrifying to know that it was not black makeup. Traditional circus clowns perform slapstick comedy in pairs: the white-faced clown is the instigator of gags, the red-faced (or Auguste) clown is the victim or fall-guy.
Their costumes and personality codes vary widely from the European harlequin jester or comical fool to the American down-and-out hobo caricature. Dating to Greek and Roman theatre, the popularity of the clown's low-class buffoonery reflects the human need to occasionally step outside of the norms of society. A brief note on the history of clowns might help to see the deeper layers of this film. This theme overarches the delightful French film Chocolat (2016) that is based on the true story of the first black-skinned circus entertainer in 19th century Paris. The traditional circus was a mirror of the race and class structures of society and audience response reflected social values. Most are essays in conflict and hardship so it is unusual to find one that is based on circus clowns and laughter. Films about racism come in a variety of genres and styles.